BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A rainy Memorial Day weekend forecast is forcing some schedule changes across the Lehigh Valley, but several of the region’s biggest annual events say they’re moving forward — rain or shine.
Among them are the Easton Criterium and the Mayfair Festival of the Arts, both of which announced plans to continue as scheduled despite expectations for rain throughout the holiday weekend.
Meanwhile, a planned stop in Allentown for the historic B-29 DOC and P-51 Gunfighter aircraft tour has been postponed until September, with organizers citing both weather concerns and ongoing aircraft maintenance.
The unsettled forecast comes as the National Weather Service warned of periods of rain and chilly temperatures across eastern Pennsylvania heading into the weekend.
Well, we wish we had a better Memorial Day weekend forecast for you. It will be slightly drier this afternoon for Philly & north, but Sat into Sun is when we are expecting more widespread rain arrives across the region. Warmer on Mon, but clouds and showers may stick around. pic.twitter.com/9rsm77EZAB
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) May 22, 2026
Easton Crit moving forward Sunday
Organizers of the Easton Criterium said downtown Easton will still transform into a high-speed racecourse Sunday for a full slate of cycling races, entertainment and family activities.
The event, presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health and hosted by the Greater Easton Development Partnership, is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., with professional races starting at 4:05 p.m.
Festivities will include amateur and professional cycling races, a community ride, skateboarding activations, an artist market, food vendors, live music and the Easton Crit Block Party along Northampton Street.
“This event is rain or shine,” organizers said in a media advisory, encouraging spectators to come prepared for wet weather conditions.
Mayfair adding covered space
At Mayfair Festival of the Arts, organizers emphasized that performances and activities at Cedar Crest College will continue despite the forecast.
A large tent will cover the Main Stage performance area and viewing section, while some artist and craft vendors also will be moved indoors, according to festival organizers.
“Our food, beverage, artist, and crafter vendors are still attending,” organizers said in a media alert. “Bring your umbrellas just in case and come ready to enjoy Mayfair rain or shine!”
The festival, now in its more than 30-year run, features art, crafts, food vendors, live music, family activities and a drone show finale scheduled for 9 p.m. Sunday. Organizers said this year’s drone show will feature more than 200 illuminated drones — double last year’s total.
Weekend performers still scheduled to appear include Go Go Gadjet, Philadelphia Funk Authority and several regional acts across the festival’s Main Stage and Artist Market Stage.
Admission and parking remain free.
More information is available throughMayfair Festival of the Arts.
WWII aircraft tour postponed
One event that will not move forward this weekend is the scheduled appearance of the B-29 DOC and P-51 Gunfighter aircraft at Lehigh Valley International Airport.
Organizers announced Wednesday that the tour stop originally scheduled for May 21-25 has been rescheduled for Sept. 17-20 because of both maintenance delays and the weekend weather forecast.
“As part of our ongoing focus on operational safety and aircraft reliability, two of DOC’s four engines have been undergoing detailed inspection and maintenance work since December,” B-29 DOC CEO Josh Wells said in a news release.
Gunfighter Pilot and Tour Coordinator Jeff Linebaugh also pointed to expected rain and low cloud ceilings in the region.
“Low cloud ceilings and rain in the forecast create flight delays and cancellations, and frankly, that’s not pleasant for our customers, nor is it safe to fly,” he said.
The rescheduled September event will still feature cockpit tours, static displays and flight experiences aboard both historic aircraft.
For more visit:
• B-29 DOC: www.b29doc.com/rides
• P-51 Gunfighter: www.gunfighter.com/airplane-rides
